One of our favorite running lines for skagit style spey casting is Airflo’s Miracle Braid. It handles well in all conditions, shoots like a rocket, and better yet, it floats! Not to mention it sounds super cool as it zips through the guides. Creating a loop in Miracle Braid to attach to a skagit head or backing can be a bit clunky however. Many anglers create a loop by doubling the braid back and securing with a series of nail knots. While this method will work, it is not the smoothest connection possible.

We recently spent some time with our friends from The Confluence Fly Shop based out of Bellingham, Washington, and they showed us a simple way to splice a loop in Miracle Braid to create a knotless, super strong loop that slides through the guides with ease. The same method can also be used to create a seamless loop in Dacron backing as well! We asked them to put together a video to show our readers their method, and needless to say, they did!

Thanks to the Scott and Brandon from The Confluence Fly Shop for putting together a great video! Make sure to check them out the next time you’re in the greater Bellingham area!

When targeting strong fish such as king salmon, tarpon, permit, or even bonefish, any added security in your tackle is a good thing. These fish have the ability to make runs deep into your backing and test the strength of your entire setup from your drag down to your tippet knots. Most of us are well aware of this when targeting such species and take the extra time needed to tie strong knots to ensure our setup is as fail proof as possible.

However, the most overlooked connection used when targeting big fish is the loop to loop connection between your fly line and leader. While the welded loop at the end of the fly line is extremely strong out of the box (often stronger than the breaking strength of the fly line itself), over time this loop can begin to wear. Unfortunately, we have seen trophy fish lost due to a blown loop in the fly line and there’s not much consolation to be had after such an event. However, there is something you can do to prevent this from happening.

Our friend Wayne Waltz offered this simple fix he learned when fishing for permit in Belize. While we wouldn’t begin to claim that we have a prolific permit fishery here on South Andros, from time to time they are spotted roaming the flats and many of our guests make sure to keep a rod rigged and ready in the event they get a shot at some feeding permit. His fix? Make a simple 6-8 turn nail knot with plain ol’ monofilament (we use 12 lb. Maxima) around the doubled over portion of your welded loop. Coat the knot with your favorite adhesive (we like Loon UV Knot Sense) and voila! Your loop is now stronger than ever.

Is such a precaution absolutely necessary? Maybe not. However, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind when trying to put the brakes on that fish of a lifetime at 200 yards out.

Finished product. Backing used as leader for visibility. All photos by Kyle Shea.

Earlier this month we had the pleasure of fishing the flats with Andros South guest Harrison Perrin. While rigging up, he offered this simple tip when making the loop to loop connection between your fly line and leader to prolong the life of the coating on your factory loop. Check it out – we think you’ll like it.

Doubled Loop to Loop Connection

Step 1: Normal loop to loop.

Step 1: Make the same loop to loop connection you normally would between your leader and fly line loops, but do not draw it down completely tight.

Step 2: Slide up and roll.

Step 2: Slide your leader loop back and roll the remainder of the leader loop up over the factory loop of your fly line.

Step 3: Pass standing end through.

Step 3: Insert the standing end of your leader through the factory loop and draw tight. Make sure on this step to insert the leader on the same side of the loop that your leader loop knot is on.

Look back up top for the finished product!

Over time, the leader on a standard loop to loop connection will eventually wear and most likely cut through the coating of the factory loop on your fly line. If you target strong fighting fish that put a lot of stress on tackle, you have most likely seen this. However, by doubling-up your loop to loop connections, you distribute the stress on your factory loop over a greater area, thus prolonging the coating on your fly line.

By doubling up your loop to loop connections, you are also able to eliminate the possibility of your loops slipping over one another causing a far weaker connection. This is especially important when dealing with stiffer materials like those used in salt water.

Double Up!

Try doubling up on your loop to loop connections on both your backing to fly line and fly line to leader connections. That little added security should give you a little more peace of mind when Mr. Big makes that third unexpected run into the backing.

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Deneki Outdoors operates fishing lodges in Alaska, The Bahamas, British Columbia, and Chile.

Our blog gives anglers a daily dose of life on the water. We combine fishing reports, tips, gear reviews, information about our operations and special guest posts with pictures and stories, all related to our fisheries and beyond.

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